Bookverdict.com

Gr 3-6 In 26 short chapters, this well-formed, introspective novel chronicles Amie McBee's life from her birth in 1891 until a pivotal summer eight years later. Throughout her childhood the awful Bellas, her older twin sisters, tell scary stories and make fun of the mysterious Mr. Tominski, who saved their father's life and, in return, is allowed to live in the old chapel behind the house. But Amie, a bright, observant child, is convinced that the "Keeper of the Doves" is no more than a harmless, gentle recluse. In a memorable scene, she and her g...Log In or Sign Up to Read More

Accessible language, open format, and twenty-six very short chapters keyed to the alphabet rightly suggest this novel as appropriate for young children; yet it is so adroitly structured and rich in characters and ideas that it will reward older readers as well. In episodes as telling and carefully focused as the snapshots their sensible and outspoken Grandmama teaches them to take, five turn-of-the-twentieth-century sisters—beautiful Abigail, musical Augusta, troublesome twins Annabella and Arabella ("the Bellas"...Log In or Sign Up to Read More